What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes weakening of the bones. Once bones have weakened, they are more vulnerable to breaking more easily. While this disease generally affects older women, prevention should start at an early age. No matter how old you are, you can take steps now to build bone mass and prevent the loss of healthy bone. Those who take care, using diet and supplements, to prevent osteoporosis are less likely to experience bone loss, broken bones, serious health problems and disability as they age.

Am I At Risk?

Many factors come into determining your level of risk. Take this short assessment, answering yes or no to each question.

Has either your mother or your father ever had a hip fracture?

Have you broken any bone after the age of 50?

Are you a current smoker or have you quit in the last two years?

Do you weigh less than 125 pounds?

Have you lost more than 10% of your body weight since the age of 25?

Do you drink more than 3 alcoholic drinks per day?

If you have answered yes to two or more questions, you may be at risk for developing osteoporosis.

What Are the Risk Factors?

Age

The risk for Osteoporosis increases with age, because bone density tends to peak around age 30.

Gender

Women are four times as likely to be diagnosed with Osteoporosis as men due to thinner bones and longer lifespans.

Family History

Those with parents or grandparents who exhibited signs of Osteoporosis are much more likely to be diagnosed with the disease.

Bone Structure and Body Weight

Women who are petite and thin are more likely to be diagnosed, because they typically have less bone to lose in the first place.

Ethnicity

Women of Caucasian and Asian descent are typically more likely to develop Osteoporosis than women of other backgrounds.

What Can It Do To My Body?

Porous Bones

Osteoporosis causes porous bones. Think of a honeycomb. If you have Osteoporosis, the spaces in the honeycomb are much larger than they would be in a healthy bone.

Broken Bones

Studies show that one in two women and up to one in four men age 50 and older will break a bone due to Osteoporosis.

Broken Bones

Studies show that one in two women and up to one in four men age 50 and older will break a bone due to Osteoporosis.

Complications from Broken Bones

Studies also show that 20% of seniors who break a hip die within one year from problems related to the broken bone itself or from surgery to repair it. Many who survive need long term care in a nursing home.

Depleted Resources for Future Medical Care

Osteoporosis is costly! Not only is Osteoporosis responsible for two million broken bones a year and 19 billion in related costs, but the cost of your independence from a broken bone can be worse.

What Can I Do?

Prevention is key. While there are many drugs that can be prescribed by health care providers, lifestyle changes can be very effective without the side effects and costs of some prescription medicines.

As a health coach I can help guide you to making the changes needed for prevention of Osteoporosis in conjunction with preventive care from your regular healthcare provider.

Healthy Foods

A bone-healthy diet can play a major role in helping in the prevention and treatment of Osteoporosis. Many of us are not sure what a “bone-healthy” diet means. There is much confusion on the subject of protein, calcium intake, and other typical dietary guidelines.

Yoga

Yoga has been recommended as one of the most effective forms of exercise. Weight bearing types of postures can help increase strength, balance, and flexibility. As a yoga student for over 20 years, I can personally attest to the many benefits a regular yoga practice can provide.

Better Rest

Stress and sleep quality play a major role in our health regardless of the issue. It’s important for us to incorporate strategies for better sleep and stress relief into your customized program.

Let’s get started!

Preventing the health issues caused by our crazy busy lives must be a top priority. We may feel great in our 20’s, but stress, poor eating habits, and lack of exercise will take their toll on your body!

The first step is to complete one of my health history assessments. I offer a free 50-minute consultation that is focused on you and your needs. Let’s discuss together how I can help you get started on a customized program.

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Take control of your health by embracing a vibrant lifestyle with the help of a wellness coach today. Through the power of nutrition and yoga, you can transform your life and feel vibrant and healthy in every way.